He adds that GSPC should finalise locations next month. Deen Dayal development wells will be drilled from a steel ‘template’ fixed over the KG#8 gas discovery well, which lies in 70-metre water depths.

GSPC first wanted a rig to begin the Deen Dayal development programme in January or February this year but then postponed its plans to July and has now delayed them once again. Separately, ONGC-affiliate helicopter provider Pawan Hans quoted less than Rs1cr ($216,963)/month in July in a GSPC tender to hire a helicopter for Deen Dayal for three years.